With twelve months of the year, it is hard to know which month or season is the best time for a good clean on your patio and driveway. As a general rule of thumb, April to October is going to be the optimum time of year when it comes to pressure washing.
However, there are some best time periods in each month that will get you the very best results from your pressure washing.
These months will get better results because the weather conditions are optimal for effective cleaning results:
Traditionally, the end of spring is the best time to pressure wash because the warmer weather has cleared away any dirt or debris that may have built up over the winter.
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So Why Pressure Wash Your Patio or Driveway, Anyway?
There are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to pressure wash your patio or driveway. It not only freshens up the appearance of your home, but it also gets rid of any dirt or grime that may have built up which can reduce its lifespan.
Let’s take a look at some more:
Prevents Mildew, Mold, and Other Harmful Growths
The pressure of water gets rid of the dirt and grime that might be on your driveway or patio. This helps it not to get moldy or have mildew grow on it.
Enhance the Curb Appeal of Your Property
Pressure washing your patio, driveway, or sidewalks can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your property. It not only cleans up any dirt and grime but it also brings back a natural shine to your slab or pavement.
Increases Longevity
A clean patio with no dirt allows for maximum absorption of sunlight which increases the lifespan of the material by as much as 25%. This is great news because even if you have a less expensive material such as concrete or pavers, regular pressure washing can increase its lifespan.
Limits Weeds
Another major issue with your patio or driveway is weeds and other pests. If you have a buildup of moisture which is the perfect breeding ground for these, then limiting this by cleaning can prevent any future infestation period.
You’re also preventing any type of unwanted plant growth which would only increase in size in time if not pressure washed away.
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Prevents Slippery Surfaces in the Wintertime
We know that winter in some areas is just around the corner so when it begins to get cold, many people think about using salt on their driveways and sidewalks. Salt does help with ice but it also damages your concrete or stone surfaces when used regularly so pressure washing before winter is an ideal solution.
A Cost-Effective Method
If you fail to maintain your property it will likely cost you in the long run. Regular pressure washing of the patio and driveway prevents this damage from occurring and saves you money in the long run.
Environmentally Friendly
The beauty of pressure washing is the fact that you don’t need to use harmful chemicals. This is great for the environment and also means you don’t have to worry about any sort of residue being left behind.
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How Long Does Pressure Washing Driveway Last?
For the best results, look to pressure wash your driveway or patio at least every 6 months. This will help to prevent any damage from occurring and keep your property looking its best.
However, it is common for most residents to pressure wash their driveways once a year. Some people choose to do this every spring whereas others do so towards the end of summer as they see leaves falling and other debris building up on their driveway or patio.
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Best Temperature To Pressure Wash?
The best temperature to pressure wash is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are pressure washing at below 50 degrees then it will take much longer for the water to effectively get rid of the dirt and grime on your concrete or stone surface.
That said most pressure washing is done with cold water since the sheer water pressure coming out of the nozzle is powerful enough to get rid of all the dirt and grime on your concrete surface.
Is it bad to pressure wash in winter?
If your pressure is left unattended during the winter months, then this can cause the pumps to freeze and break. The ice can damage the pressure washer and attachments so it is important to use caution.
You should also let the pressure washer dry out before you put it away for storage so that no rusting occurs and all parts will be preserved properly.
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What Should You Wear When Pressure Washing?
When you are pressure washing you should wear waterproof bottoms and a top (not always necessary) and a pair of boots.
There is a high probability that the lower half of your body will get wet from the back spray when you are pressure washing. This is why it is recommended to wear waterproof bottoms because water will go everywhere when using a pressure washer.
For your upper half, even though you’re in the hot summer months you should choose layers so that if it does get wet, nothing underneath gets too soaked or uncomfortable.
What attachments do you need for a pressure washer?
You actually need that many attachments for your pressure washer if it is only for domestic purposes.
Here’s a list of other attachments:
- Surface Cleaners.
- Telescoping Wands.
- Extension Wands.
- Hose Reels.
- Brushes.
- Undercarriage Cleaners.
- Water Brooms.
- Soap Nozzles.
FAQs
Can you pressure wash all year round?
Pressure washing may be done throughout the year, provided that it’s done correctly.
You may need your pressure washer for cleaning and maintenance tasks no matter what the weather.
How much does it cost to pressure wash a driveway in the UK
On average it costs in the region of £8.50 and £12.50 per square metre to have your driveway pressure washed in the UK.
How much does it cost to pressure wash a driveway in the US?
Pressure washing a driveway will cost you anything from $100 to $500, depending on the severity of the problem.
You may also spend between $50 and $100 on your sidewalks at the same time. Indoor concrete surfaces, such as pools, patios, and walkways, typically range in price from $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot (often more for pool decks).
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Summary
Pressure washing your driveway and patio is a great way to keep them looking clean and new.
By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that you are doing it correctly and safely, while also getting the most out of your pressure washer.
The end of spring is the best time to pressure wash your driveway or patio because that’s when most people notice the debris building up.
By cleaning them then you get all of summer and autumn to enjoy their cleanliness before it gets too cold.
When have you found the best time to pressure wash your driveway, patio, or pool area?
Please leave your thoughts below.
Thank you for reading!
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